Joy Oladokun is gearing up for the release of her new album Hope Is A Heavy Thing on Sept. 25 via Concord Records. Ahead of the release, Oladokun has unveiled a new song from the project, “Kind.”

The 12-track collection marks a bold new chapter for the artist, expanding Oladokun’s sound while continuing to prove her ability to bend genres while also bridging cultures. Across the album, which Oladokun produced with Nigerian producer Spellz, she explores identity, connection and self-discovery with the emotional honesty that has become a hallmark of her songwriting. In addition to “Kind” and the previously shared track “Zombie,” the album also features a collaboration with Nigerian artist Adekunle Gold.

“‘To understand your future you have to confront your past.’ This is the driving theme behind Hope Is A Heavy Thing,” shares Oladokun. “It’s a collection I wrote to help myself find my light again after burning out. Produced in Nashville, New York, and the back of a speeding tour bus, this album is sonically an homage to all of the music that inspires me. On this record you’ll find music that nods the brilliance of the Soulquarians, the rawness of Bob Dylan, the rhythms of afrobeats, and the sampling prowess of J Dilla. Not to mention a callback to the Ronettes and a few songs that find inspiration in rock and roll protest music of the 60’s and 70’s.

“You’ll also find me at the most authentic I’ve been able to be as an artist” she continues. “It is a record I wrote for anyone who finds themselves wondering how to hope in these times. Sometimes it means looking back and digging through the muck to find what’s worth fighting for again.”

A queer Black musician and daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Oladokun has become a vital cultural voice, writing songs that explore identity, faith, mental health, and social justice with honesty and restraint. She has collaborated with fellow artists including Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Maxo Kream, Jack Antonoff, Jason Isbell and Noah Kahan, and has joined Isbell, Kahan, John Mayer, Hozier, My Morning Jacket, Tyler Childers, Pink Sweat$, Leon Bridges and Manchester Orchestra on the road.

Hope Is a Heavy Thing Track List:
1. “Raised By The Radio (A Reintroduction)”
2. “Dear Maria”
3. “Easy Company”
4. “Kind”
5. “TOGIAIM”
6. “Sage” (feat. Adekunle Gold)
7. “The End Of The World”
8. “Zombie”
9. “Toothache”
10. “Don’t Call Me Baby!”
11. “Die Young”
12. “Time Is A River”

Singer-songwriter Izzy Mahoubi has inked with 3686 Records.

Mahoubi first gained attention after her cover of a Rage Against the Machine song went viral, earning more than 7 million combined views on Instagram and TikTok. The moment introduced thousands of new fans to the Arizona native’s original music and helped establish her signature sound, a mix of Southwest emo, Southern gothic and desert blues, driven by honest songwriting and powerful rock performances.

A seasoned live performer, Mahoubi has shared the stage with artists including Em Beihold, The California Honeydrops, and Adam Melchor while building a loyal fanbase across the Southwest. She has also performed at Arizona’s Mesa Music Festival and Dreamy Draw Festival.

“We are so excited to welcome Izzy Mahoubi to the 3686 Records family,” shares 3686 Records Co-Founder Levi Hummon. “We first discovered her through her viral ‘Rage Against the Machine’ cover, but it didn’t take long to realize her original music was just as incredible. Izzy is the real deal, and we truly believe the world is about to have its faces melted by a genuine rock star. We couldn’t be more excited to be a part of what’s next.”

“Signing any deal is a privilege, but signing with a team as passionate and encouraging as 3686 feels like a dream come true,” adds Mahoubi. “I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work on my next project with. I’m beyond grateful to the entire team, and especially Levi and Eric [Arjes], for believing in me and these Southwest emo songs. I cannot wait to share this next chapter of music.”

Shania Twain Performs Exclusive SiriusXM Show

Shania Twain celebrated the release of her new album with a special one-night-only show for SiriusXM to a packed room of subscribers and fans at New York City’s Racket NYC. She performed fan favorites like “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!,” “Come On Over,” and “You’re Still The One” as well as songs from her new album including “Stranger Things,” “Dirty Rosie” and the title track, “Little Miss Twain.”

To commemorate the album release, SiriusXM also launched Little Miss Twain Radio, an exclusive pop-up channel celebrating her career and the music that has shaped her journey.

 

SOURCE Nashville Celebrates 35 Years

SOURCE Nashville members gathered at Marathon Village on July 15 to celebrate the organization’s 35th anniversary.

Attendees socialized and enjoyed 90s country music, a photobooth and more. Co-founders Shelia Shipley Biddy and Judy Harris were in attendance, who started the organization with the late Pat Rolfe.

 

The Listening Room Celebrates Phil Barton’s 500th Show

The Listening Room celebrated Phil Barton‘s 500th show at the venue on July 21 at a sold-out show.

Special guests included Victoria Banks, Tristan McIntosh, Liz Rose, Lee Brice, Chris Blair, Seth Ennis, Cameron Bedell, Cassidy Daniels, Chris Ryan, Kyle Schuesler, Rose Falcon, Rodney Atkins, Andrew Ferris and Emily Shackelton.

Tigirlily Gold will release their sophomore album, Country & Midwestern, on Oct. 9. The duo has dropped a new single from the project, their latest track, “Something To Drink About.”

The new album was named after the sisters’ proud North Dakota roots and their previously released song of the same name, and is a celebration of a region often overlooked in country music conversations despite embodying the very spirit the genre was built on. For Tigirlily Gold, being “Midwestern” has always meant hard work, family, faith, grit, and finding joy in the everyday, qualities that have shaped both who they are and the music they make.