Old Dominion. Photo: Dove Shore
It’s the battle of the country groups today in DISClaimer.
Vying for preeminence are the Zac Brown Band, The War and Treaty, Old Dominion and the combination of Home Free with Chapel Hart. It’s anybody’s race. In a toss-up decision, Old Dominion wins the Disc of the Day award.
It’s also a group that takes home the week’s DISCovery Award—the duo of Thelma & James.
There’s plenty to enjoy in this review playlist. Dive in and create your own sounds of summer.
ASHLAND CRAFT / “Dive Bar Beauty Queen”
Writer: Ashland Craft; Producers: Ashland Craft, Jess Grommet, Lee Starr; Label: Leo33
– Craft celebrated the release of her album last week at—where else?—The American Legion Hall on Gallatin Pike. Its title tune is a snappy, rowdy country rocker packed with steel and twang guitar. This gal has guts and glory in her voice.
ZAC BROWN BAND / “I Ain’t Worried About It”
Writers: Channing Wilson, Chris Gelbuda, John Driskell Hopkins, Zac Brown; Producer: Zac Brown; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Home Grown Music
– What a groove, a splash-country, mellow, multi-rhythmic wave of audio delight. Vocal harmonies? Check. Merry attitude? Check. Relaxing vibe? Check. Summertime anthem? Double check.
THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “To the Moon”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Derek Campbell/Jessica Cayne/Matthew Morrisey; Producers: David Mescon; Label: River House Artists
– The twin-brother duo celebrates the release of its Rhinestone Revolution album tomorrow evening at The Blue Room in Jack White’s complex. The collection contains this slow-jam ballad begging for one last shot at ecstasy. The female voice at the top of the harmony stack in the mix belongs to Brittney Spencer. A delicious change of pace for the party guys.
BEN FULLER & CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “If It Was Up To Me”
Writers: Ben Fuller/Ben Glover/Jeff Sojka; Producer: Sam Martinez; Label: Essential Records
– Christian/country singer-songwriter Fuller surprised the Opry audience on Tuesday evening when Underwood appeared to duet with him on this breezy, rushing, inspirational outing. The rhythm track chugs and strums in ear tickling fashion while the two singers swap leads and harmony vocals. Loved the line about “blisters on my soul.” An excellent production. You’ll find it on Fuller’s album Walk Through Fire, which drops tomorrow.
AMYTHYST KIAH / “Empire of Love”
Writers: Amythyst Kiah/Sean McConnell; Producer: Butch Walker; Label: Rounder Records
– Kiah espouses her love of Appalachia and spirituality on this pop-rocker. The genre-resistant East Tennessean has it on her eclectic current collection, Still + Bright, recorded in Music City. Her alto voice sounds stronger than ever, and she demonstrated it on Wednesday at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) when she sang “Bad Case of the Blues” at the event celebrating the 79th birthday of Black female country pioneer Linda Martell.
OLD DOMINION / “Water My Flowers”
Writers: Jerry Flowers/Jordan Reynolds/Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen; Producers: Old Dominion, Shane McAnally; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Ridiculously hooky and a complete audio addiction. But what else is new? This band seems to live and breathe hooks. The restless tempo and haunting melody pull you into the swirl of questing, loneliness and doubt in the lyric. Massively wonderful.
ANA CRISTINA CASH / “Cheap Margaritas”
Writers: Erika Ender/Frank Ray/Jess Cayne/Willie Breeding; Producers: John Carter Cash, Willie Breeding; Label: Avondale Records
– Kinda flirty, kinda sensuous and easy going. This goes down as smoothly at its titular mixed drink on a steamy summer night. Cash is of Cuban descent, so there is a Spanglish version available as well.
THE WAR AND TREATY / “Feels Like Home”
Writers: Michael Trotter Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producers: none listed; Label: World Entertainment
– Utterly captivating. The rollicking folkie track with its rippling banjo and slapped snare quickens your pulse. Their voices are thrilling and urgent as they unspool the love lyric. A dazzling single, putting their awesome vocals in an exciting new production setting. Put this magical sound on your playlist at once. The duo performs at CMA Fest tomorrow at Riverfront. Standing ovations predicted.
SCOOT TEASLEY / “Whiskey Burns”
Writers: Jon Stark/Scoot Teasley/Valerie Broussard; Producer: Nicholas Sainato; Label: Amigo Records
– Booze will destroy your relationship and numb the pain when it does. Teasley continues to impress with his youthful, powerfully sung, update on country traditions.
BAILEY ZIMMERMAN / “Comin ‘In Cold”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Elektra Entertainment
– Packed with energy. Zimmerman sounds eager and ready as he sees a heartbreaker headed his way. Highly personable. Highly listenable. Highly recommended.
HOME FREE & CHAPEL HART / “Texas Hold ‘Em”
Writers: Beyoncé Knowles/Brian Bates/Elizabeth Lowell Boland/Megan Bülow/Nathan Ferraro/Raphael Saadiq; Producer: Darren Rust; Label: Home Free Records
– The five-man a cappella group Home Free joins forces with the Chapel Hart female trio to craft an irresistible cover of the Beyonce smash. Harmony vocal nirvana, plus snappy beats and whistling. This one’s a total blast.
SCOTTY McCREERY & HOOTIE & THE BLOWFISH / “Bottle Rockets”
Writers: Bobby Hamrick/Brent Anderson/Darius Rucker/Dean Felber/Derek George/Frank Rogers/Jeremy Bussey/Jim Sonefeid/Mark Bryan/Monty Criswell/Scotty McCreery; Producer: Frank Rogers; Label: Triple Tigers
– Remembering a summer beach romance. He can still see and hear her in his mind, especially when he hears “their song.” It’s the Blowfish chanting their mega hit “Hold My Hand.”
THELMA & JAMES / “Happy Ever After You”
Writers: Jake Etheridge/MacKenzie Porter; Producers: Lonas/Jake Etheridge/MacKenzie Porter; Label: Big Loud Records
– Married singer-songwriters MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge bill themselves as “Thelma & James” on their Big Loud releases. Whatever you call them, these guys are like harmonizing songbirds on their tunes “First Love,” “Chainsmokin’ Memories” and this lovelorn lament. Fresh, folkie and fine, fine, fine.
Morgan Wallen’s ‘Just In Case’ Tops MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeMorgan Wallen; Photo: Spidey Smith
Morgan Wallen is back at the No. 1 position on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with his track, “Just In Case.”
The song appears on Wallens’ recent, fourth studio album I’m The Problem, and was written by Wallen, Alex Bak, John Byron, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Blake Pendergrass, Josh Thompson, Charlie Handsome and Ernest Smith.
I’m The Problem has achieved historic success, debuting at No. 1 in seven countries. In the U.S., he broke his own record for the most simultaneous entries on the Billboard Hot 100, with 37 songs charting at once.
“Just In Case” currently sits at No. 11 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 11 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Lanie Gardner Shares Snapshots Of Life On New ‘Polaroids’ EP
/by Lorie HollabaughLanie Gardner has released her new EP, Polaroids, today (June 6) via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.
The six-track EP was produced by Oscar Charles, Jonathan Singleton and Chris Ganoudis, and blends modern country grit with alt-pop edge and acoustic soul. Building on the intimacy of her 2024 debut album A Songwriter’s Diary, Gardner widens the lens with this new project, which includes previously-released “Buzzkill” and “Concrete Cowboy.”
“Polaroids feels like a time capsule of everything I’ve lived and learned these past few years,” shares Gardner. “Each song is a snapshot of a moment that shaped me — the highs, the heartbreak and everything along the way.”
Gardner celebrated the new release with a string of appearances at CMA Fest this week, including performances at Spotify House, the Reverb Stage, and Ole Red’s On The Rise Opry celebration, as well as a surprise spotlight set at Darius Rucker and Friends at The Ryman. Today, she’ll perform at this year’s CMT Next Women of Country program at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, followed by her Polaroids EP release party at Chief’s Bar in downtown Nashville.
Gardner will also be featured as Apple Music Country’s “Riser of the Month,” joining host Ward Guenther.
Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge & Concert Raises Over $30,000
/by Lorie HollabaughCraig Campbell tosses a bag at his 11th Annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge. Photo: Bill McClintic
Craig Campbell‘s 11th Annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge kicked off CMA Fest week June 3 at 6th & Peabody yesterday, raising over $30,000 for the Kenny Campbell Foundation.
Fans bid to partner with one of 16 teams to compete for a trophy and bragging rights. Several of the artists performed on stage after being eliminated from the tournament, and Campbell followed the trophy presentation with a full concert. The final round pitted country artist Tayler Holder against Craig’s daughter Kinni Rose, and Holder came out victorious.
Craig Campbell, his family and a host of artists participated in his 11th Annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge. Photo: Bill McClintic
In addition to Campbell, Holder and Kinni, the celebrity lineup included Bigg Vinny, Bryan Martin, Craig Wayne Boyd, Dillon Carmichael, Dylan Marlowe, Jerrod Niemann, Mindy Campbell, Noah Peters, Preslee Campbell, Sammy Arriaga, and The Swon Brothers.
“I can’t thank 6th & Peabody, our amazing volunteers, sponsors and especially the artists enough for spending the day with us and raising a record amount of money,” says Campbell. “We started the Kenny Campbell Foundation in honor of my dad, and all of this money goes to very worthwhile causes.”
The inaugural Kenny Campbell Foundation Presents a Benefit Concert Featuring Craig Campbell & Bradley Gaskin at the Ryman Auditorium is set for July 24, and will also feature performances by Tyler Farr, Michael Ray, Bryan White, and Hailey Benedict.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Old Dominion ‘Live & Breathe Hooks’
/by Robert K OermannOld Dominion. Photo: Dove Shore
It’s the battle of the country groups today in DISClaimer.
Vying for preeminence are the Zac Brown Band, The War and Treaty, Old Dominion and the combination of Home Free with Chapel Hart. It’s anybody’s race. In a toss-up decision, Old Dominion wins the Disc of the Day award.
It’s also a group that takes home the week’s DISCovery Award—the duo of Thelma & James.
There’s plenty to enjoy in this review playlist. Dive in and create your own sounds of summer.
ASHLAND CRAFT / “Dive Bar Beauty Queen”
Writer: Ashland Craft; Producers: Ashland Craft, Jess Grommet, Lee Starr; Label: Leo33
– Craft celebrated the release of her album last week at—where else?—The American Legion Hall on Gallatin Pike. Its title tune is a snappy, rowdy country rocker packed with steel and twang guitar. This gal has guts and glory in her voice.
ZAC BROWN BAND / “I Ain’t Worried About It”
Writers: Channing Wilson, Chris Gelbuda, John Driskell Hopkins, Zac Brown; Producer: Zac Brown; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Home Grown Music
– What a groove, a splash-country, mellow, multi-rhythmic wave of audio delight. Vocal harmonies? Check. Merry attitude? Check. Relaxing vibe? Check. Summertime anthem? Double check.
THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “To the Moon”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Derek Campbell/Jessica Cayne/Matthew Morrisey; Producers: David Mescon; Label: River House Artists
– The twin-brother duo celebrates the release of its Rhinestone Revolution album tomorrow evening at The Blue Room in Jack White’s complex. The collection contains this slow-jam ballad begging for one last shot at ecstasy. The female voice at the top of the harmony stack in the mix belongs to Brittney Spencer. A delicious change of pace for the party guys.
BEN FULLER & CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “If It Was Up To Me”
Writers: Ben Fuller/Ben Glover/Jeff Sojka; Producer: Sam Martinez; Label: Essential Records
– Christian/country singer-songwriter Fuller surprised the Opry audience on Tuesday evening when Underwood appeared to duet with him on this breezy, rushing, inspirational outing. The rhythm track chugs and strums in ear tickling fashion while the two singers swap leads and harmony vocals. Loved the line about “blisters on my soul.” An excellent production. You’ll find it on Fuller’s album Walk Through Fire, which drops tomorrow.
AMYTHYST KIAH / “Empire of Love”
Writers: Amythyst Kiah/Sean McConnell; Producer: Butch Walker; Label: Rounder Records
– Kiah espouses her love of Appalachia and spirituality on this pop-rocker. The genre-resistant East Tennessean has it on her eclectic current collection, Still + Bright, recorded in Music City. Her alto voice sounds stronger than ever, and she demonstrated it on Wednesday at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) when she sang “Bad Case of the Blues” at the event celebrating the 79th birthday of Black female country pioneer Linda Martell.
OLD DOMINION / “Water My Flowers”
Writers: Jerry Flowers/Jordan Reynolds/Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen; Producers: Old Dominion, Shane McAnally; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Ridiculously hooky and a complete audio addiction. But what else is new? This band seems to live and breathe hooks. The restless tempo and haunting melody pull you into the swirl of questing, loneliness and doubt in the lyric. Massively wonderful.
ANA CRISTINA CASH / “Cheap Margaritas”
Writers: Erika Ender/Frank Ray/Jess Cayne/Willie Breeding; Producers: John Carter Cash, Willie Breeding; Label: Avondale Records
– Kinda flirty, kinda sensuous and easy going. This goes down as smoothly at its titular mixed drink on a steamy summer night. Cash is of Cuban descent, so there is a Spanglish version available as well.
THE WAR AND TREATY / “Feels Like Home”
Writers: Michael Trotter Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producers: none listed; Label: World Entertainment
– Utterly captivating. The rollicking folkie track with its rippling banjo and slapped snare quickens your pulse. Their voices are thrilling and urgent as they unspool the love lyric. A dazzling single, putting their awesome vocals in an exciting new production setting. Put this magical sound on your playlist at once. The duo performs at CMA Fest tomorrow at Riverfront. Standing ovations predicted.
SCOOT TEASLEY / “Whiskey Burns”
Writers: Jon Stark/Scoot Teasley/Valerie Broussard; Producer: Nicholas Sainato; Label: Amigo Records
– Booze will destroy your relationship and numb the pain when it does. Teasley continues to impress with his youthful, powerfully sung, update on country traditions.
BAILEY ZIMMERMAN / “Comin ‘In Cold”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Elektra Entertainment
– Packed with energy. Zimmerman sounds eager and ready as he sees a heartbreaker headed his way. Highly personable. Highly listenable. Highly recommended.
HOME FREE & CHAPEL HART / “Texas Hold ‘Em”
Writers: Beyoncé Knowles/Brian Bates/Elizabeth Lowell Boland/Megan Bülow/Nathan Ferraro/Raphael Saadiq; Producer: Darren Rust; Label: Home Free Records
– The five-man a cappella group Home Free joins forces with the Chapel Hart female trio to craft an irresistible cover of the Beyonce smash. Harmony vocal nirvana, plus snappy beats and whistling. This one’s a total blast.
SCOTTY McCREERY & HOOTIE & THE BLOWFISH / “Bottle Rockets”
Writers: Bobby Hamrick/Brent Anderson/Darius Rucker/Dean Felber/Derek George/Frank Rogers/Jeremy Bussey/Jim Sonefeid/Mark Bryan/Monty Criswell/Scotty McCreery; Producer: Frank Rogers; Label: Triple Tigers
– Remembering a summer beach romance. He can still see and hear her in his mind, especially when he hears “their song.” It’s the Blowfish chanting their mega hit “Hold My Hand.”
THELMA & JAMES / “Happy Ever After You”
Writers: Jake Etheridge/MacKenzie Porter; Producers: Lonas/Jake Etheridge/MacKenzie Porter; Label: Big Loud Records
– Married singer-songwriters MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge bill themselves as “Thelma & James” on their Big Loud releases. Whatever you call them, these guys are like harmonizing songbirds on their tunes “First Love,” “Chainsmokin’ Memories” and this lovelorn lament. Fresh, folkie and fine, fine, fine.
Additional Cast & Crew Announced For ‘Dolly: A True Original Musical’
/by Lauryn SinkJohn Zdrojeski (Photo: Nick Hoge), Jacob Fishel (Photo: Xanthe Elbrick Photography), Tabitha Lawing (Photo: Jason Thrasher), Beth Malone, Danny Wolohan (Photo: Josiah Bania)
Dolly Parton has announced additional cast members as well as the music and design teams for Dolly: A True Original Musical, which premieres this August.
Joining the previously-announced stars Katie Rose Clarke, Carrie St. Louis and Quinn Titcomb, who will each play the international superstar at different stages of her life, will be John Zdorjeski as “Porter Wagoner,” Jacob Fishel as “Sandy Gallin,” Tabitha Lawing as “Little Judy Ogle,” Beth Malone as “Judy Ogle” and Danny Wolohan as “Uncle Bill.”
They will be joined by ensemble members Peri Barnhill, Klea Blackhurst, Sarah Bockel, Jonathan Butler-Duplessis, Joe Carroll, Donald Corren, Ryan Demoville, Olivia Donalson, Sarah Hunt, Ruchir Khazanchi, James Moye, Cole Ragsdale, Maddie Robert and Alex Ross. Swings and understudies for the Nashville company include Josh Canfield, Tiffany Engen, Todd A. Horman, Norah Nunes and Kathlynn Rodin. Complete casting for the production will be announced shortly.
Barnhill, a graduate of Belmont University’s musical theater program, and Nunes, a resident of Houston, Texas, were chosen as part of the national “Search For Dolly.”
The music team for the production includes Kimberly Grigsby (music director), John Clancy (orchestrations), Kent Wells (musical consultant), Richard Dennison (vocal arrangements and music arrangements), and Gregg Perry (music arrangements and vocal arrangements).
The creative team includes Mandy Moore (choreography), Derek McLane (scenic design), Jennifer Moeller (costume design), Donald Holder (lighting design), Justin Ellington and Beth Lake (sound design), Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom (video design), Rob Pickens (hair design), Charles Means (production stage manager), and Jim Carnahan and Carrie Gardner (casting directors).
The musical is produced by Parton, Danny Nozell, ATG Productions and Gavin Kalin Productions. 101 Productions, Ltd. are general managers.
The musical will feature a score by Parton that will include some of her biggest hits as well as new songs she has written especially for the production and a book by Parton and Maria S. Schlatter. It will be directed by Bartlett Sher.
Preview performances at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for Performing Arts begin July 18, ahead of the Aug. 8 opening night. Tickets are on sale now.
Lainey Wilson Launches New Golden West Boots Brand
/by Lorie HollabaughLainey Wilson. Photo: Courtesy Golden West. Creative direction Michael Petry, photo credit RG Lacandola
Lainey Wilson launched her inaugural Golden West Boots collection today (June 5) at an exclusive pop-up experience at Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up Restaurant and Bar in Nashville.
The collection features nine fashion forward styles that pair perfectly with denim, dresses, or skirts, including both tall and short cowgirl boots and a show-stopping platform. The Golden West Boots collection is artisan-crafted with rich materials, lush and unique details, and unexpected fashion twists.
Wilson is the Founder of Golden West, and Michael Petry is her collaborator for this inaugural boot collection. Petry is widely recognized for his talent and design with many career credits including Frye, Tumi, Ralph Lauren, Prada and adidas.
“It’s an honor and privilege to work with Lainey on the launch of Golden West Boots. It has been a true and natural creative partnership from the get-go,” adds Petry. “She has brought an authenticity and perspective that is rare and unique and it shows in each and every detail of the boots. She has led the launch of this brand with heart and vision and it’s been a reflection of her spirit and grit.”
Lainey unveiled Atta Girl, the platform boot in Black, on the red carpet of the American Music Awards in Las Vegas on May 26. The inaugural collection is available now in limited quantities at goldenwestboots.com.
CAA Takes Over Whiskey Jam
/by Lauryn SinkNoah Rinker.
Creative Artists Agency (CAA) hosted their 2025 Whiskey Jam takeover and happy hour at Fifth + Broadway’s Skydeck in Nashville, Tennessee on June 4. The concert series featured performances from CAA clients Warren Zeiders, 49 Winchester, Kolby Cooper, Carter Faith, Noah Rinker and Blake Whiten.
Carter Faith.
CAA’s Kylen Sharpe and Chris Burrus with Kolby Cooper
49 Winchester.
CAA’s Ethan Goldish, Nick Thimm, Warren Zeiders and Jeff Krones
CAA’s Jeff Krones and Rick Roskin.
Warren Zeiders.
Mike Ferri, CAA’s Jeff Krones, Noah Rinker, Aaron Bay-Schuck and Brad Beausir
CAA’s Howie Nuchow and Jeff Krones with Blake Whiten
49 Winchester and CAA’s Jacob Lapidus.
Leslie Fram’s FEMcountry & AB Hillsboro Village Nashville Announce Summer Series
/by Lorie HollabaughFEMco/Founder Leslie Fram’s FEMcountry has announced its first strategic partnership with AB Hillsboro Village, Nashville’s only female-owned live music venue led by music executive and entrepreneur Marcie Allen and Derek Van Mol.
The monthly Summer Series will feature rising female artists performing acoustically in the round and will kick off on July 16 with a lineup to be announced. Tickets for the new series will go on sale to the public later this month.
“This Summer Series at AB is the first of many key alliances we’re planning for FEMcountry,” says Fram. “From listening parties, showcases and industry events to festivals, tours and artist sponsorships, FEMcountry is committed to creating opportunities for women in country music, and we’re honored to partner with my longtime friend and colleague, Marcie Allen, who shares that same vision. Together, we’re building spaces where women can thrive and be heard.”
“Leslie and I have known each other for over 25 years and I could not be more excited to build alongside her as she continues to support female artists in Nashville,” says Marcie Allen, co-owner, AB Hillsboro Village. “AB is proud to partner with FEMCountry as our mission to provide a home for independent artists aligns perfectly with Leslie’s work. Watch out boys, the ladies have entered the chat!”
In addition to the July 16 kickoff event, FEMcountry shows at AB Hillsboro Village include an Aug. 13 show and a special show in conjunction with Americana Music Fest Sept. 9 presented by Stella Prince & Friends. Additional lineups and programming will be announced later this month.
Jenna Davis Readies Debut Album Due This Month
/by Lauryn SinkJenna Davis is set to release her debut album, Where Did That Girl Go?, on June 27. Her third track from the record, “San Diego,” written by Davis, Sarah Buxton, Emma Klein and Mike Robinson, and produced by Chris Rafetto, is available now, along with “On A Budget” and “Miss Wannabe.”
Davis first gained attention with an unintentional viral video at 14 years old, aptly coined the “penny, nickel, dime girl.” Last year, her project Sike garnered over 12 million streams and in total and she has reached over 88 million streams worldwide. In addition to the album, Davis will return to the big screen for her role voicing the titular character in M3gan 2.0, hitting theaters on June 27.
Where Did That Girl Go? Track List:
1. “Where Did That Girl Go?”
2. “San Diego”
3. “Messy”
4. “Fake Flowers”
5. “Fun Dip”
6. “On A Budget”
7. “Miss Wannabe”
8. “Actor”
JUST IN: Leslie Cohea To Join WME As Partner & Music Touring Executive
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Joey Lee, Becky Gardenhire, Leslie Cohea and Jay Williams. Photo: Jon Plarr (WME)
Industry veteran Leslie Cohea is set to join WME as Partner and Music Touring Executive. Her first day with the company will be July 14.
Cohea has over 20 years of touring experience through her previous roles held at Sandbox Entertainment and AEG Presents. She has helped launched the careers of Kacey Musgraves, Dan + Shay, Kelsea Ballerini and Little Big Town. She has also helmed major tours such as “Soul2Soul” and “The Judds: The Final Tour.”