John Oates Revisits R&B & Pop Grooves On New Self-Titled LP Due In August

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John Oates. Photo: Jason Lee Denton

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Oates will release a brand new self-titled solo album on Aug. 29 featuring some special guests.

Reminiscent of the classic, groove-oriented R&B and pop he produced in the ’70s and ’80s, Oates was inspired in part by a new generation of talents that have caught his ear, including the NYC 8-piece soul pop band Lawrence,  and soul singer-songwriter Devon Gilfillian. After hearing Lawrence’s music, Oates was moved to write the first single from the project, “Enough Is Enough,” and asked them to guest on it. Gilfillian collaborated with Oates on the record, co-writing “Real Thing” and co-writing and singing on “Mending.”

Other album highlights include the previously released “Pushin’ A Rock,” with Oates empowering us to “roll with it” when things get rough,“Dreaming Of Brazil” (featuring Wendy Moten on vocals) which was inspired by his love of Bossa Nova and Carlos Jobim, and “Bajo La Luz De La Luna,” a song he penned for Gringa, a feature film that takes place in Mexico.

Oates memorialized the collective experience of the pandemic on “Disconnected,” and imagines how it would feel to be completely alone on “World’s Gone Wrong,” a moving track that reminds us to be grateful for our loved ones. The album closes with Oates’ take on “Walking In Memphis,” as well as a remixed bonus track of the song by American electronic music producer Grabbitz.

Oates put together a new band to take these new songs on the road and will play a a special kick-off show at home in Nashville at The Analog at Hutton Hotel on June 29, with other dates set for the Troubadour (Aug. 27), The Rockaways in NYC (Aug. 24), Summerfest (July 4) and more.

Oates Track List:
1. “Enough Is Enough” (feat. Lawrence)
2. “Real Thing Going On”
3. “Mending” (feat. Devon Gilfillian)
4. “A Ways Away”
5. “Let Me Be the One”
6. “World Gone Wrong”
7. “Pushin’ a Rock”
8. “Disconnected”
9. “Get Your Smile On”
10. “Dreaming About Brazil”
11. “Bajo la Luz de la Luna”
12. “Walking In Memphis”
13. “Walking In Memphis” (Grabbitz Remix)

Owen Riegling Inks With UMPG

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Cyndi Forman (UMPG Nashville), Owen Riegling, Cody (Kode) Roberts (The Familie), Sam Nasr (UMPG Nashville). (L-R, back row): Troy Tomlinson (UMPG Nashville), Steve Astephen (The Familie), Royce Risser (The Familie). Photo: UMPG Nashville

Owen Riegling has inked an exclusive global publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Nashville.

After breaking out with his Platinum single “Old Dirt Roads,” Riegling signed with Universal Music Canada and has amassed 130 million global streams, back-to-back CCMA wins and completed a 103 date debut headline tour last year. This year, he is set to play Boots & Hearts, Country Thunder and support select dates on Luke Bryan’s summer tour.

“Sam [Nasr] and I have been fans of Owen from the moment Amanda Kingsland (Universal Music Canada) introduced us to his music,” says Cyndi Forman, SVP, A&R, UMPG Nashville. “Owen’s music captures the grit, heart and storytelling that country music was built on. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome him into the family!”

“I’m excited to be joining the UMPG family. Cyndi, Sam and the rest of the team have been champions of mine since my first visit,” adds Riegling. “I’m feeling very grateful to have such a powerhouse on my team. Here’s to my next chapter of music!”

Riegling is represented by The Feldman Agency/CAA for touring and managed by Cody (Kode) Roberts and Steve Astephen at The Familie.

New Vinyl Collection Of Randy Travis Hits Due In August

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Randy Travis is releasing a new vinyl collection featuring 10 of his most beloved songs, Now Playing – Randy Travis, via Warner Music Nashville and Rhino Records on Aug. 1 as part of Rhino’s Now Playing series.

The new release spans Travis’ career, capturing the heart and soul of a voice that defined a generation of country music, and includes “If I Didn’t Have You,” “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “1982,” “Diggin’ Up Bones,” On the Other Hand” and more.

Now Playing – Randy Travis is the latest installment in the Now Playing series, a curated collection from Warner Music artists designed to bring great hits to music lovers at an accessible price point. Each release in the series includes 10 essential tracks from iconic catalogs, pressed on vinyl and made available wherever vinyl records are sold.

The vinyl release comes in advance of the next leg of the “More Life Tour,” a salute to Travis’ music featuring his original band members, guest vocalist James Dupré, and Randy and his wife Mary onstage the entire show interacting with Dupré, the band, and the audience—something Randy has missed since his 2013 stroke sidelined him from touring the world.

Now Playing – Randy Travis Track Listing:
Side 1:
1. “If I Didn’t Have You”
2. “Forever and Ever, Amen”
3. “1982”
4. “Where That Came From”
5. “Diggin’ Up Bones”

Side 2:
1. “Deeper Than The Holler”
2. “I Told You So”
3. “Better Class of Losers”
4. “On the Other Hand”
5. “Whisper My Name”

JUST IN: Lost Highway Taps Casey Thomas & Vincent Masino

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Casey Thomas, Vincent Masino

Lost Highway has named two members of its growing Nashville-based team. Casey Thomas has been appointed to Vice President of Marketing and Vincent Masino has been named Manager, Audience Development and Content Strategy at the label.

Thomas joins Lost Highway after a nearly seven-year tenure at Monument Records where she served as Vice President of Marketing and Commercial Partnerships. Prior to that she worked in the development department of the Country Music Hall of Fame. She has a master’s degree from Boston College.

Masino joins Lost Highway from Universal Music Group’s Nashville headquarters where he was the digital content specialist for the past two years. He started his career as a freelance specialist working for labels and in artist management. He is a graduate of University of North Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in marketing with an emphasis on digital media.

“Casey has built a reputation in Nashville as an innovative music marketer with a deep understanding of artistic vision and how to effectively bring that vision to life,” shares Robert Knotts, Co-Head of Lost Highway. “Similarly, Vinny has a unique skillset in connecting an artist’s vision with a receptive audience across an ever-changing digital landscape. Together they will play an integral role in serving Lost Highway’s longstanding vision as a springboard for music’s most important and culture defining artists.”

Originally founded in 2000, Lost Highway was reactivated earlier this year, spearheaded by music business veterans Knotts and Jake Gear. Lost Highway announced last month that Grammy winner Kacey Musgraves had joined the roster, reuniting her with the label that first signed her in 2011.

Something Out West Releases Debut EP ‘Leaving Hollywood’

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Something Out West recently released their debut EP Leaving Hollywood via Big Machine Records.

In celebration of the new EP, which includes “You Better Run,” “Bipolar Heart,” the title track, and more, the duo of Chet Hanks and Drew Arthur will make their TV debut on TODAY and The Kelly Clarkson Show tomorrow (June 24).

Following the success of their viral hit and music video for “You Better Run,” which quickly garnered nearly half a million views in its first week of release, Something Out West’s Leaving Hollywood EP features five original tracks that draw influence from the Eagles, Blink-182, The Beatles and more.

Comprised of Arthur, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter from Florida known for his introspective lyrics and dynamic melodies, and Hanks, who stars in Netflix’s No. 1 hit series Running Point as basketball star/aspiring musician Travis Bugg, Something Out West has developed a distinctive sound that fuses Nashville roots with modern, genre-blending influences. The duo has already been featured on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Drew Barrymore Show, TODAY, Variety, Esquire, and more.

Leaving Hollywood Track List:
1. “You Better Run” (Drew Arthur, Brendan Cooney, TJ Courtney)
2. “Bipolar Heart” (Drew Arthur, Brendan Cooney, TJ Courtney)
3. “Already Won” (Drew Arthur, Brendan Cooney, TJ Courtney)
4. “This Ain’t Heaven” (Drew Arthur, Brendan Cooney, Chris Rafetto)
5. “Leaving Hollywood” (Drew Arthur, Heath Warren, Eric Paquette, Eric Van Houten)

MCA Staff Gather To Mark A New Chapter

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MCA staff. Photo: Stevie Campos

The MCA staff gathered last week to mark the beginning of a new chapter for the label, which recently rebranded from UMG Nashville to MCA (Music Corporation of America).

The team convened for a series of meetings that highlighted the label’s vision for the future. After these meetings, the team was treated to performances and previews of new music from MCA artists such as Jordan Davis, Carter Faith, Josh Ross, Tucker Wetmore, Brothers Osborne, Jon Pardi, Keith Urban and Luke Bryan.

Pictured (L-R): Carter Faith, Tucker Wetmore, MCA’s Rob Femia, Luke Bryan, Jon Pardi, TJ Osborne, MCA’s Katie McCartney, John Osborne, MCA’s Mike Harris and Dave Cobb, Keith Urban. Photo: Evan Harney

Under the leadership of Mike Harris, President and CEO, and Dave Cobb, Chief Creative Officer, MCA aims to lead a transformation in the music industry by putting artists at the forefront and creating a collaborative, community-driven ecosystem designed to foster creative freedom and purpose-driven success.

“At MCA, we’re no longer just about signing talent; we’re about creating a space where our artists and their teams can thrive, with the creative autonomy they deserve, and the support they need to make meaningful, long-lasting impacts on their careers,” shares Harris.

In addition to Harris and Cobb, the rebranding marks the addition of industry veteran Katie McCartney as Executive Vice President/General Manager. The company also recently announced the promotion of Rob Femia to Chief Operating Officer, expanding his responsibilities as Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs to also oversee day-to-day operations for the label group, ensuring operational efficiency and aligning with MCA’s strategic goals.

Lauren Watkins Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

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Lauren Watkins makes Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Jessie Addleman

Big Loud country songstress Lauren Watkins made her Grand Ole Opry debut on Friday (June 20), fulfilling a lifelong dream for the Nashville-born artist. She performed her debut single “Shirley Temple” and latest release “I’ll Get Through It” to a full house of friends and family, earning a roaring applause.

Watkins found out about her Opry debut a few weeks ago when tour-mate Zach Top surprised her on stage during his “Cold Beer and Country Music Tour.”

“It means the world to me to be here,” shared Watkins on the Opry stage. “I’m one of the rare ones that was born and raised here – and I’m proud to say that. Of all the things I’ve gotten to do in my career, and all the things I’ll get to do, this is the thing that means the most to me.”

The day before her Opry debut, Watkins made another stop close to home at FirstBank Amphitheater, where she opened up the show for Riley Green’s “Damn Country Music Tour” stop. She also paid a visit to ACM Lifting Lives’ summer camp at Ocean Way Studios, joining Ross Copperman for a special morning with campers as part of ACM’s week-long residential music program for individuals with Williams syndrome.

Morgan Wallen Kicks Off ‘I’m The Problem Tour’ With Two Nights In Houston

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: Matt Paskert

Morgan Wallen kicked off his “I’m The Problem Tour” on Friday (June 20) and Saturday (June 21) at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Wallen’s 25 song setlist included a mix of hits both new and old both nights.

Paying homage to the Lonestar state, Wallen tapped former Houston Texans Hall of Fame wide receiver Andre Johnson and beloved Houston salesman Mattress Mack for his fan-favorite walk out moment on night one with Drake and former Houston Astros pitcher Roger Clemens joining on night two.

“I appreciate you choosing to spend your Friday night here with me at NRG Stadium. Before I get any further, I’d just like to say shout out to Andre Johnson and Mattress Mack for doing my walk out with me – a couple of Houston legends, and I appreciate that. I appreciate you guys for giving me such a warm welcome, I can already tell we’re going to have a good time,” Wallen said while taking in the crowd after singing his Platinum-certified “Ain’t That Some” and “Kick Myself.”

Later in his set, taking B-stage toward the back of the venue for stripped-back acoustic performances of “Cover Me Up,” “I’m A Little Crazy” and “Sand In My Boots,” Wallen explained the importance of seeing as many fans close-up as he can, despite the size of the stadiums he now plays: “We started out at bars in the afternoons, and we worked our way up to what it is now, and that still blows my mind a little bit. I thought about everything that it’s taken to get to this moment right here, and it wouldn’t be possible without you guys and your support – it means a lot to me, I know it means a lot to my team.

“One thing that I miss about playing those smaller places is I could go out on stage every night, and I could pretty much look at every single person in the eyes. That’s not possible now, but this is my best attempt at getting a little bit closer to you, so I want to sing a few songs back here, acoustic-style.”

During his jaunt back to the main stage, Wallen took a moment to honor his band members on screen – Mark “Taco” Annino on drums; Luke Rice on bass/guitar; Dominic Frost and Tyler Tomlinson on guitar/BGV; Chris Gladden on aux/keys; and Tony Aichele on aux/guitar/pedal steel.

By the time the encore arrived, Wallen re-emerged onto the stage donning an Astros jersey, one final tribute to the city. Rolling through two of his biggest hits to-date, 16-week Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 “Last Night” and six week Hot 100 No. 1 “I Had Some Help,” Wallen concluded with his breakthrough 2018 hit, “The Way I Talk,” thanking his fans and signing autographs before leaving.

As part of Wallen’s ‘2025 Tour Give Back’ initiative, Morgan Wallen Foundation (MWF) supports music programs in touring cities. The tour will continue this weekend in Wisconsin.

I’m The Problem Tour. Photo: Matt Paskert

Morgan Wallen. Photo: Matt Paskert

Morgan Wallen With Fans. Photo: Matt Paskert

Little Big Town Plots ‘The Christmas Shows’ At Ryman Auditorium

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Little Big Town.

Little Big Town have unveiled their four night “The Christmas Shows” residency at Ryman Auditorium Dec. 1-4.

The shows will showcase a combination of holiday hits as well as the group’s own fan favorites. The group is familiar with a Ryman residency, holding the milestone of hosting the first yearlong artist residency at the venue during 2017.

Tickets for all four shows will go on sale this Friday (June 27) at 10 a.m. CST here.

Entertainment Attorney John Mason Releases Memoir ‘Crazy Lucky’

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Nashville-based entertainment attorney John Morgan has released his memoir, Crazy Lucky, sharing personal stories of his journey from a butcher’s son in California with a knack for the guitar, to a world-class legal mind.

“Most lawyers don’t do what I do,” Mason writes. “I’ve been the last line of defense, the emergency contact, and the one who gets the call in the middle of the night. This book is about what that life really looks like — not just the names, but the moments.”

A fixture in the entertainment world, Mason has represented six Academy Award winners, advised members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and served as legal counsel to recording artists whose sales exceed 100 million records worldwide including names like Reba McEntire, Olivia Newton-John, Frankie Valli, Smokey Robinson, Quincy Jones, the Jackson Five, and the Roy Orbison family. He has been named Billboard Magazine’s “Entertainment Attorney of the Year” and has earned an A/V rating in the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory for more than 30 years.

To celebrate the release, Mason is set to host a book signing on June 28 at 2 P.M. CT at Barnes & Noble in Cool Springs.