Curb Records artist Lloyd Nicks will release his debut album, Paper-Maché, on Mar. 19, 2027. He’s giving fans another preview of the upcoming new project with the title track, which is out now.
Paper-Maché pieces together a life that’s known abuse, abandonment and grief, but also a transformed heart that’s experienced the love of Jesus. Nicks turns the process of becoming into a work of art on Paper-Maché, and the 12-track debut reveals an emotional storyteller and a devoted father who’s trying to outrun generations worth of pain for the sake of his children. His introductory set features an inviting array of R&B, soul, pop, Gospel and worship, as well as a personal version of his Grammy-winning CeCe Winans’ cut, “That’s My King.”
Offering his heart up as a blank canvas, Nicks welcomes divine creativity on the title track. While he might not be able to see the full picture yet, piece by piece, he knows his purpose is taking shape, and claims our lives, while unfinished, remain a work of art as we’re molded into who we’re meant to be. The colorful, pulsating anthem, which he wrote with Micah Kuiper and Taylor Agan, is for those, like Nicks, in the middle of their becoming. “Paper-Maché” is the fourth song to preview the upcoming full-length project, following open-hearted selection “We Won’t,” current radio single “A Little More,” and his emotional ode to fatherhood, “Heal For You.”
“Just like paper-maché, every piece of me is being carefully molded,” says Nicks. “Each experience, each lesson, a new layer added by the Master Artist. This journey of becoming is sacred, and it’s leading to something truly profound. This isn’t just an album; it’s a testament to His artistry.”
Already a Grammy winner, three-time GMA Dove Award nominee, and a Billboard Music Award winner, Nicks signed a recording contract with Curb in 2025. His award-winning hit, Winans’ “That’s My King,” remained at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart for an impressive 49 weeks.
Paper-Maché Track List:
1. “Looking For Jesus”
2. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Heaven”
3. “Paper-Maché”
4. “Common Ground”
5. “I’m Making Room”
6. “We Won’t”
7. “A Little More”
8. “Heal For You”
9. “Supersonic”
10. “That’s My King”
11. “Love Like Jesus”
12. “Thank You”
Smithfield Shares Their Next Chapter With ‘Country With Heart, Part 2’
/by Lorie HollabaughSmithfield will release Country With Heart, Part 2, the second installment of their Country With Heart project, on Sept. 11. Along with the announcement, the duo is dropping a new single from the project, “Drunk Love You,” this Friday (July 31).
Country With Heart, Part 2 features eight new songs that complete the journey that duo Jennifer Fielder and Trey Smith began with Part 1. Together, the two installments showcase Smithfield’s signature harmonies and feature songs that celebrate the people, places, and experiences that have shaped the duo throughout their 14-year career.
“This record is more than a collection of songs. It’s a snapshot of our 14-year journey in music and a reflection of the values that have guided us from the very beginning,” shares Smithfield. “When we say Country With Heart, we mean music that tells our truth and makes you feel something deep in your soul. Music that celebrates love, family, resilience, faith, friendship, and the moments that shape who we are all told through our two perspectives.
“At the heart of every song is what makes Smithfield special: the signature harmony that has connected us with our fans since day one,” they continue. “This album is our most authentic representation of who we are as artists and what country music means to us. We believe country music is at its best when it makes people feel seen, understood, and a little less alone.”
The new album follows the duo’s recent release of “All Over Nashville,” which arrived alongside a video in June in celebration of 615 Day and was co-written with Karen Kosowski and Emma-Lee. Fans can also pre-order Smithfield’s first-ever vinyl release, a deluxe collector’s two-LP edition bringing together Country With Heart, Part 1 and Part 2 in one complete package. Featuring exclusive bonus tracks, the special release allows listeners to experience the full Country With Heart project as one cohesive body of work.
The duo is preparing for their first European headline run this August and September, with performances at The British Country Music Festival, Nashville Nights Festival Denmark, The Long Road Festival, and additional headline dates throughout the UK.
1. “Tonight Talkin’” (Jennifer Fielder, Trey Smith, Sam Tuten)
2. “Drunk Love You” (Jennifer Fielder, Trey Smith, Adam Wood)
3. “All Over Nashville” (Jennifer Fielder, Karen Kosowski, Emma-Lee, Trey Smith)
4. “Let You” (Jennifer Fielder, Karen Kosowski, Emma-Lee, Trey Smith)
5. “Giving Up On Us” (Jennifer Fielder, Trey Smith, Adam Wood)
6. “Alone In The City” (AJ Babcock, Jennifer Fielder, Pete Good, Trey Smith)
7. “God Given” (Emily Falvey, Jennifer Fielder, Trey Smith)
8. “Tell Me You Don’t” (David Fanning, Jennifer Fielder, Trey Smith)
Lloyd Nicks Slates Debut Album ‘Paper-Maché’
/by Lorie HollabaughCurb Records artist Lloyd Nicks will release his debut album, Paper-Maché, on Mar. 19, 2027. He’s giving fans another preview of the upcoming new project with the title track, which is out now.
Paper-Maché pieces together a life that’s known abuse, abandonment and grief, but also a transformed heart that’s experienced the love of Jesus. Nicks turns the process of becoming into a work of art on Paper-Maché, and the 12-track debut reveals an emotional storyteller and a devoted father who’s trying to outrun generations worth of pain for the sake of his children. His introductory set features an inviting array of R&B, soul, pop, Gospel and worship, as well as a personal version of his Grammy-winning CeCe Winans’ cut, “That’s My King.”
Offering his heart up as a blank canvas, Nicks welcomes divine creativity on the title track. While he might not be able to see the full picture yet, piece by piece, he knows his purpose is taking shape, and claims our lives, while unfinished, remain a work of art as we’re molded into who we’re meant to be. The colorful, pulsating anthem, which he wrote with Micah Kuiper and Taylor Agan, is for those, like Nicks, in the middle of their becoming. “Paper-Maché” is the fourth song to preview the upcoming full-length project, following open-hearted selection “We Won’t,” current radio single “A Little More,” and his emotional ode to fatherhood, “Heal For You.”
“Just like paper-maché, every piece of me is being carefully molded,” says Nicks. “Each experience, each lesson, a new layer added by the Master Artist. This journey of becoming is sacred, and it’s leading to something truly profound. This isn’t just an album; it’s a testament to His artistry.”
Already a Grammy winner, three-time GMA Dove Award nominee, and a Billboard Music Award winner, Nicks signed a recording contract with Curb in 2025. His award-winning hit, Winans’ “That’s My King,” remained at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart for an impressive 49 weeks.
Paper-Maché Track List:
1. “Looking For Jesus”
2. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Heaven”
3. “Paper-Maché”
4. “Common Ground”
5. “I’m Making Room”
6. “We Won’t”
7. “A Little More”
8. “Heal For You”
9. “Supersonic”
10. “That’s My King”
11. “Love Like Jesus”
12. “Thank You”
Caldwell Signs With Warner Chappell Music Nashville & Cornman Music
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Austen Adams (President, WCM Nashville), Nate Lowery (President, Cornman Music), Caldwell, Chris Owen (Creative Director, Cornman Music) and Christina Wiltshire (VP, A&R, WCM Nashville). Photo: Courtesy of WCM
Caldwell has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Cornman Music.
Caldwell picked up the drums at age five and first turned to songwriting during high school. Inspired by the sounds of Eminem, Elvis Presley, Bruno Mars and Morgan Wallen, his track “Beer & Baddies” featuring Sexyy Red debuted at No. 31 on the Billboard Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart and Rolling Stone named him UK’s #1 Artist to Watch. The Greenville, South Carolina native recently made his CMA Fest debut on the Dr Pepper Amp Stage. He recently signed with EMPIRE Nashville.
“I knew I wanted to work with the Cornman guys from the first time we all drank whiskey till the sun came up. I feel I have found a second home outside of South Carolina with Warner Chappell and Cornman from Austen [Adams], Nate [Lowery], Chris [Owen], and the immortal Brett James. The team truly got my music, my songwriting and who I am as an artist. I’m ready to contribute to the ongoing legacy of Brett James and put a few trophies on some shelves,” he shares.
“Caldwell’s ability to weave country, rock, and hip-hop into a sound that feels so distinct and genuine is rare,” says Christina Wiltshire, VP A&R, WCM Nashville. “He’s a dynamic storyteller with no limit to where his music can go, and we’re thrilled to champion him alongside our friends at Cornman.”
“Brett James and I met with Caldwell back in August and quickly realized that we wanted to work with him,” addsLowery, CEO, Cornman Music. “Brett really believed in him and his music and was confident that he was gonna be a star. Chris Owen and I look forward to working together with Caldwell and his team.”
ACM Honors Unveils 2026 Presenters & Performers
/by Madison HahnenBrenda Lee will make a special appearance, and Zach John King will present the ACM Studio Recording and Industry Awards. The show will also feature a special tribute to Dolly Parton, who will receive the ACM Poet’s Award and accept the honor through a video message.
Parton is being honored with the ACM Poet’s Award for her lasting impact as one of country music’s most influential songwriters. A 13-time ACM Award winner, she has also hosted the ACM Awards three times. Throughout her career, she has written many of country music’s most iconic songs, including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You,” while earning multiple ACM Song of the Year nominations for songs such as “You’re the Only One,” “9 to 5” and “When I Get Where I’m Going.”
Parton joins previously announced honorees Bill Anderson, Brett James, C2C: Country to Country, The Carter Family, Eric Church, Kacey Musgraves, the Paramount+ series Landman, Leslie Fram, Mike Curb and Scott Zolke. Previously announced ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year Ella Langley, Songwriter of the Year Jessie Jo Dillon, and this year’s Studio Recording and Industry Award winners will also be recognized.
The 19th ACM Honors will take place on Aug. 19 at The Pinnacle in Nashville, with Pearce and McCollum serving as co-hosts. Tickets are available here.
615 Indie Live Event To Return In January, Opens Artist Submission Portal
/by Lauryn Sink615 Indie Live, a celebration of Nashville’s independent music venues and local artists, will return for its third year on Jan. 30, 2027 and has officially opened its artist submission portal.
Artists interested in performing at the 2027 festival can now submit through the festival’s online application portal. A full lineup and ticket information will be announced at a later date.
“Independent venues are where tomorrow’s artists get their start, and they’re a big reason a trip to Music City feels so authentic,” says Deana Ivey, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “We’re proud to continue supporting 615 Indie Live because it celebrates our local artists and independent venues while helping both visitors and locals discover the music experiences that make Nashville unlike anywhere else.”
“We’re thrilled to bring back 615 Indie Live for a third year, and are always looking for ways to make it even more valuable to Nashville’s independent music community,” adds Chris Cobb, Co-Producer of 615 Indie Live and Director of Music Venue Alliance Nashville. “In 2027, that means continuing to help audiences discover incredible local artists and independent venues, while expanding the partnerships that make the festival stronger and its impact even greater. At the end of the day, every ticket sold helps us invest back into the community that makes Music City special.”
Sun Records To Release Vault Recordings From David Allan Coe
/by Lorie HollabaughSun Records is releasing new rare archival recordings from David Allan Coe in August.
Coe’s Texas Moon (Deluxe) arrives Aug. 21, highlighting an important early chapter in the legendary outlaw artist’s career. Originally recorded in 1973 for Shelby Singleton’s Plantation Records, the album captured Coe performing songs by many of his biggest influences, including Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Billy Joe Shaver and Jackson Browne, backed by Coe’s road band.
The recordings were not officially released until 1977, after Coe had moved to Columbia Records, but feature a key snapshot of his formative years as a recording artist. Pressed on vinyl for the first time in more than four decades, the deluxe edition adds previously unreleased demos from Coe’s earliest Nashville recording sessions with Singleton.
Sun Records will also release It’s Been So Long by The Gentrys on Sept. 4, showcasing a largely unheard chapter in the Memphis garage rock band’s history. Best known for their 1965 MGM Records hit “Keep On Dancing,” The Gentrys joined Sun Records as the label entered a new era under Shelby Singleton’s ownership.
“Finding previously unreleased recordings from David Allan Coe and The Gentrys in our tape vault is a reminder that the Sun Records story is still being written, one archive discovery at a time,” says Chase Gregory, Sr. Director of A&R/Sync for Sun Records. “Bringing lost music like this to fans is central to how we honor and expand the label’s legacy.”
Texas Moon (Deluxe) and It’s Been So Long are both available for pre-order now.
Brett Eldredge Plots ‘Glow: 10 Year Anniversary Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughBrett Eldredge
Brett Eldredge is celebrating the 10th anniversary of his annual “Glow” tour this holiday season with 12 new shows.
The “Glow: 10 Year Anniversary Tour” also celebrates Eldredge’s first Christmas album Glow, and he’ll kick off the tour with three Ryman Auditorium shows in Nashville Nov. 27-29. Eldredge will also bring the sounds of the season to other cities including Boston, St. Louis, New York, Milwaukee, Columbus and Chicago, through Dec. 19. Eldredge will perform original songs from his albums Merry Christmas (Welcome to the Family), Glow, and Mr. Christmas albums as well as holiday favorites.
“I believe in tradition and I believe it makes us who we are. It gives us depth and soul,” says Eldredge. “We put out Glow 10 years ago, and wow has it been an incredible ride. This album was my Christmas dream, and the tour brought it to a place where I could build a timeless tradition with my fans. This year we will celebrate a decade of magic and deepen the journey for many years to come! I can’t wait!”
Tickets are available via various presales now ahead of the general onsale on Friday (July 31) at 10 a.m. local time.
Eldredge’s growing catalog includes two Gold albums and nine Gold or Platinum singles. Beyond gathering billions of streams, he has notched seven No. 1’s on country radio, launched two albums into the Top 3 of the Billboard 200, and served up fan-favorite holiday albums, Glow [2016] and Mr. Christmas [2021]. His cover of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside!” [feat. Meghan Trainor] emerged as a holiday staple, generating over 207 million Spotify streams and counting,
“Glow: 10 Year Anniversary Tour” Dates:
Fri Nov 27 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Sat Nov 28 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Sun Nov 29 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Fri Dec 4 – Boston, MA – Boch Center Wang Theatre
Sat Dec 5 – Boston, MA – Boch Center Wang Theatre
Tue Dec 8 – Milwaukee, WI – Miller High Life Theatre
Thu Dec 10 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre
Fri Dec 11 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre
Sat Dec 12 – St. Louis, MO – The Fabulous Fox
Wed Dec 16 – Columbus, OH – Palace Theatre
Fri Dec 18 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
Sat Dec 19 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
LOCASH To ‘Let The Country Music Play’ On New EP
/by Lauryn SinkLOCASH will release their new EP Let The Country Music Play on Aug. 7 via their own Galaxy Label Group.
The duo, composed of Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, wrote the 5-track project alongside Ashley Gorley, John Byron, Brinley Addington and more. The duo previewed the project last month with the title track, a collaboration with Parmalee that reimagines Rupert Holmes’ “Escape (The Piña Colada Song).” “Talkin Bout,” written by the duo alongside Nate Kenyon and Blake Bollinger, will impact country radio on Aug. 24.
The project follows the band’s 2025 Bet The Farm which featured their multi-week chart topper “Hometown Home,” Country Aircheck/Mediabase’s No. 4 Overall Song of 2025.
LOCASH is currently amidst their “LET THE COUNTRY MUSIC PLAY TOUR” with upcoming dates in Missouri, Ohio, New York, California and more.
Let The Country Music Play Track List:
1. “Let The Country Music Play” (Rupert Holmes, Matt Thomas, Tommy Cecil, Brinley Addington) *
2. “Talkin Bout” (Nate Kenyon, Chris Lucas, Preston Brust, Blake Bollinger) +
3. “I Aint Goin Nowhere” (Preston Brust, Chris Lucas, John Byron, Maya Kurchner) ^
4. “YES” (Ben Johnson, Ashley Gorley, John Byron, Cole Swindell, Thomas Rhett, Preston Brust, Chris Lucas) •
5. “Love Always Wins” (Preston Brust, Chris Lucas, Nate Kenyon, Blake Bollinger) #
* Produced by Tommy Cecil and Jacob Rice
+ Produced by Sam Bergeson and Blake Bollinger
^ Produced by Ben Johnson and Aaron Zuckerman
• Produced by Ben Johnson
# Produced by Jacob Rice
K-LOVE Names Andrew Lambeth Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
/by Lauryn SinkAndrew Lambeth.
K-LOVE has named Andrew Lambeth the new Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, effective Sept. 1.
In his role, Lambeth will serve on the Ministry Leadership Team and lead the Ministry’s communications, creative and marketing departments.
He brings more than a decade of experience in the Christian music and media industry. Most recently, he served as co-general manager and senior vice president of Marketing at Centricity, overseeing marketing, digital, radio promotion and product operations. During his tenure, Centricity celebrated numerous Billboard No.1 hits and Gold and Platinum certifications with artists including Lauren Daigle, Katy Nichole, Jordan Feliz and many others. He also helped guide new artist launches and flagship projects that garnered recognition across the industry’s top honors with GRAMMY, K-LOVE Fan Awards and GMA Dove Awards.
“I’ve spent my entire career inside Christian music because I believe these songs and artists do something special. They encounter people with the truth of the Gospel in the way and at the time that people need it the most,” shares Lambeth. “At Centricity, I got to help launch artists and build stories around that belief, and I’m so grateful for a decade alongside the talented people there. K-LOVE is where many of these songs and stories meet the most people, and I’m honored to join K-LOVE’s excellent team in working to inspire people to move closer to Jesus.”
“Andrew is an industry leader who brings a brilliant strategic focus to this Ministry,” says Tom Stultz, K-LOVE Chief Executive Officer. “We believe he will help us continue to expand and grow the K-LOVE audience and impact for the cause of Christ. His inside knowledge of the Christian music industry along with his many established contacts position him to make meaningful contributions to this Ministry quickly and in ways that are sustainable for year to come. His passion for helping others draw closer to Jesus makes him an excellent fit for K-LOVE.”
Rhiannon Giddens Signs With WME
/by Madison HahnenRhiannon Giddens. Photo: Karen Cox
Rhiannon Giddens has inked with WME for global representation in music.
Giddens is a Pulitzer Prize and Grammy-winning artist, composer, banjo player, fiddler and cultural advocate. A founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, she is widely recognized as one of the leading voices in American roots music. During her career, she has earned two Grammy Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Music for Omar, a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship and more. Her work spans music, film, opera, literature and education while highlighting the African American roots of American music.
Giddens will release her seventh solo album, Hope Is the Thing with Feathers, on Sept. 18 via Nonesuch Records. Recorded live with longtime collaborators and co-produced by Dirk Powell, the album celebrates community, collaboration, and the shared traditions of American music.
Beyond recording and touring, Giddens recently served as music supervisor, consultant and contributed original music to Sinners. She also wrote new music for Ken Burns’ upcoming PBS documentary The American Revolution, released the book Go Back and Fetch It: Recovering Early Black Music in the Americas with Kristina R. Gaddy, and stars in the upcoming film An Ode to Mary Jo alongside Ed Helms, Jason Isbell, Steve Earle, Regina Taylor and John Sayles.
She recently sold-out Carnegie Hall and played two sold-out shows at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. She is also launching American Tunes: Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing, a five-date concert series with Mavis Staples, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Hurray for the Riff Raff, with stops in Seattle, Bend, Bentonville, Asheville and The Caverns in Tennessee.
Giddens also recently launched the Biscuits & Banjos Foundation, which expands the mission of her festival through music education, instrument access, and programs celebrating the African diaspora’s influence on American culture.