Ian Munsick. Photo: Hulli

Ian Munsick celebrated the release of his third studio album Eagle Feather on Thursday night (April 17) with a packed show at The Pinnacle in Nashville, offering fans and industry partners a live preview of what might be his most personal and fully realized work to date.

Ian Munsick and Lainey Wilson. Photo: Hulli

The Wyoming native has built his brand around a clear mission: bringing the West to the rest. With Eagle Feather, Munsick leans all the way in. Released at 11 p.m. CT during the event, the album bookends itself with three Prairie Laments, short vignettes that ground the project in the vastness and emotional pull of his home state. It’s a thematic through line that adds depth to the new collection and reinforces the legacy he’s looking to build.

The inspiration behind the album traces back to Munsick’s sold-out debut at Red Rocks in 2023, when he was unexpectedly adopted by the Crow Tribe during a moment that deeply impacted him. Among the gifts they presented was an eagle feather—now a permanent fixture in his signature hat and the inspiration behind both the project’s title and creative direction.

At The Pinnacle, Munsick performed several standout tracks from the new album, including “Cheyenne,” “Caroline” and the radio-ready “Horses Not Hearts”—one of the few outside songs he’s cut. The evening also spotlighted several of Eagle Feather’s collaborators. Flatland Cavalry’s Cleto Cordero joined Munsick for “God Bless The West,” Stephen Wilson Jr. appeared for the title track and Lainey Wilson lent her vocals to the tender “Feather In My Hat,” which the two developed while on the road together last year.

Ian Munsick and Stephen Wilson Jr. Photo: Hulli

In addition to the new material, Munsick delivered fan favorites like “I See Country,” “Barn Burner,” “Long Live Cowgirls,” “Me Against The Mountain,” “Horses Are Faster,” “White Buffalo” and “More Than Me.” His trademark energy and stage presence were on full display, punctuated by moments of gratitude and humility. He also made a point to highlight his talented band, particularly a standout fiddle player, and treated the crowd to a few unexpected pop covers that added a playful touch to the night.

To close, Munsick performed “Long Haul” before bringing Ryan Charles to the stage for their high-energy duet “Cowboy Killer,” and wrapped the show with “Cowshit in the Morning” and “Mountain Time”—thanking the crowd for ringing in Eagle Feather’s release alongside him.

As his audience and catalog continue to grow, Munsick’s unwavering commitment to authenticity and the culture of the American West is clearly resonating. With Eagle Feather, he adds a compelling new chapter to his discography, positioning himself as both a creative and commercial force on the road ahead.

Ampersand Studios and PERK PR + Creative Agency will present “The Power of Independent,” an exclusive evening designed to uplift and empower the independent artist community on May 13 at Ampersand Studios in Nashville.

Featuring four industry leaders including Morgan Mills, Halie Hampton Mosley, Blair Miller and Kyra Tillotson, the panel and networking event will bring together music industry execs to explore the tools, strategies and mindset required to thrive as an independent artist in today’s ever-evolving landscape. “The Power of Independent” invites artists, creatives and change-makers to join a conversation about creative freedom, modern career-building and the importance of crafting your own path, without waiting for permission.

Mills is the Chief Marketing Officer at CmdShft, a digital distribution, technology and label services company. With a 20+ year career spanning NY, L.A. and Nashville, she has worked in marketing, publishing and media, including segment production and interviewing notable figures across music and politics. Prior to CmdShft, she ran her own firm and worked in publishing, offering artist development, songwriter placement and marketing services.

Mosley is the Vice President of Roster Operations at WHY&HOW, where she defines artist strategy and internal initiatives. She has led efforts to expand company policies, including parental leave and works closely on strategy for artists like Tyler Braden, Chase Rice and Kelleigh Bannen. Previously, Mosley spent seven years in artist management at Maverick Nashville, and later managed Florida Georgia Line at Hit Farm Management in partnership with Full Stop Management, led by Irving and Jeffrey Azoff.

Miller is the Founder of Chaos Creators, and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Formerly the Creative Director at Jonas Group Media, Blair has spearheaded marketing campaigns for Kassi Ashton, Dasha, Franklin Jonas, PUBLIC and Melanie Pfirrman featuring Pitbull. She’s worked with major influencers like Charli D’Amelio and Bella Poarch, produced content for Kroger and led brand strategies for Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, Country Radio Seminar,and more. Miller got her start through powerhouse internships at SB Projects, Atlantic Records and UMG.

Tillotson serves as the Director of Communications & Operations at Fort Nash and Walk Off Entertainment, both founded by Chris Ruediger. A graduate of the University of Washington, Tillotson moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music and artist development. Her work helped build The 615 House, a breakout digital platform championing rising country talent.

The panel will be moderated by Trevor Perkins, CEO of PERK PR + Creative Agency, and space for the event is limited with an RSVP required here.

Chris Tomlin. Photo: Scott Parker

Chris Tomlin’s ninth annual “Good Friday Nashville” benefit show sold out Bridgestone Arena again on April 18, becoming the largest ticketed Christian concert ever at the venue. The show benefits the foster care and adoption crisis through For Others, a nonprofit organization created by Tomlin and his wife, Lauren.

Chris Tomlin and Luke Bryan. Photo: Scott Parker

This year’s event featured Luke Bryan, multi-Dove Award winner Phil Wickham, Jenn Johnson of Bethel Music, Platinum-selling Brooke Ligertwood and best-selling author Max Lucado.

“I’m so grateful for what God is doing through Good Friday Nashville. It’s hard to believe next year will be year 10,” says Tomlin. “This has always been about the Church coming together as one, and over the years it has been incredible to see and experience what has been built together. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for year 10!”

Ahead of the show, Tomlin released “You Are My King (Amazing Love)” as part of Spotify’s First Easter Singles Campaign, alongside a collaboration with Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake.

During the show, Tomlin announced that tickets for the 2026 “Good Friday Nashville” show are available now. Since the announcement, over 60 percent of tickets have been sold.

Parker McCollum and Cody Jinks have been announced as the headliners for the new Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival, taking place Sept. 12-13 at the MLK Festival Grounds in Temple, Texas.

Other artists on the bill for the inaugural festival this fall include Robert Earl Keen, Randy Rogers Band, Mark Chesnutt, Jack Ingram, The Droptines, Corey Kent, The Wilder Blue and more.

In addition to the artist performances, attendees can explore over a dozen authentic BBQ joints from some of the country’s most popular pitmasters, who will travel to Temple for a rare weekend pop-up to cook up different BBQ cuisine from across the country in the Texas, Kansas City, Memphis and Carolina styles.

Two-day general admission and VIP tickets for Tanglefoot go on sale to the general public starting this Friday (April 25) here.

John Morgan. Photo: Matthew Berinato

John Morgan has scored his first No. 1 hit as an artist at country radio this week with “Friends Like That” featuring Jason Aldean.

Morgan penned the track with Brent Anderson, Will Bundy and Lydia Vaughan. This is Morgan’s third No. 1 as a writer and comes just before his debut album, Carolina Blue, which is slated to be released Friday (April 25). The North Carolina native will also make his Stagecoach Festival debut this Friday (April 25), before hitting the road to open for Kane Brown, Old Dominion and Riley Green on select dates this summer.