Shoalsville Music Publishing Co. Signs Robert Venable, Mark D. Conklin & Steven Dale Jones

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Photo: Courtesy of Shoalsville Music Publishing Co.

Robert Venable, Mark D. Conklin and Steven Dale Jones have all signed with Shoalsville Music Publishing Co.

“We are extremely excited and thankful to get the opportunity to partner with and represent such an incredibly gifted roster of talent. These guys are the best of the best!” says Chad Green, Owner, Shoalsville Music Publishing Co.

Venable is a five-time Emmy Award-winning mix engineer, four time Grammy Award nominee and Dove Award winner. Over his career, he has worked with Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, Twenty One Pilots, Megadeth, CeCe Winans, Rod Steward and many more. As a songwriter he’s contributed to multiple top 10 singles and landing a Billboard No. 1 single as writer/drummer/producer of the rock band As We Ascend.

Conklin has earned cuts by artists across the Gospel, country, blues and bluegrass genres with songs landing in the top 10 on Billboard‘s Blues and Bluegrass charts and top 40 on the Country Breakout Chart. As an artist, Conklin earned a Grammy nomination for Best Roots Gospel Album for his acclaimed debut, The Gospel According to Mark. He’s worked Gloria Gaynor, The Fisk Jubilee Singers, The Fairfield Four, Mike Farris, Rita Wilson, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Rhonda Vincent, John Berry and more.

Jones is an ASCAP Award-winning, Dove Award-winning, Grammy-nominated songwriter, and has worked with Diamond Rio, John Waite, The Little River Band and the Gaither Vocal Band.

Industry Ink: The Red Clay Strays, Marcus King, Conway Twitty, Grace Krohse

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The Red Clay Strays Perform On ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’

The Red Clay Strays. Photo: Todd Owyoung/NBC

The Red Clay Strays performed for their second time on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon earlier this week. The band brought the ripping, high-energy track “Don’t Wanna Know” from their new album Grateful to the Studio 6B stage, and the performance arrives days ahead of the band’s sold-out show at Madison Square Garden.

Marcus King & Epiphone Revive The El Dorado Acoustic

Marcus King with his Epiphone El Dorado acoustic limited edition guitar. Photo: Epiphone

Epiphone has released the Marcus King El Dorado, a limited-edition signature acoustic guitar that celebrates the return of one of the brand’s most beloved vintage-inspired models and honors the instrument that helped shape King’s musical journey. King has long shared a deep personal connection with the Epiphone El Dorado, which was his first-ever guitar and a gift from his dad. That connection became part of his creative legacy with the release of his 2020 Americana album, El Dorado, a tribute to the instrument’s enduring influence and spirit. The Epiphone El Dorado Limited Edition is available worldwide in Antique Natural at authorized Epiphone dealers, Gibson Garage locations in Nashville and London, and online at Epiphone.com.

“This guitar means the world to me. My first El Dorado was a gift from my father, and it carried me through some of the earliest and most important moments of my musical journey,” says King. “It has always represented family, home, and the songs that shaped me. Partnering with Epiphone to share that feeling with players around the world is an incredible honor, and I hope this guitar inspires people to write their own stories for years to come.”

 

Conway Twitty Among New Inductees Into Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Hall Of Fame

Conway Twitty

The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) has announced new inductees for the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Hall of Fame. This year’s class features five legendary artists: Conway Twitty, Mississippi John Hurt, The Mississippi Mass Choir, Charley Patton and Bobby Rush. The Class of 2026-2027 will join an incredible group of Mississippians already enshrined in the Hall of Fame, which serves as the centerpiece of The MAX. Past inductees include William Faulkner, Morgan Freeman, B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Leontyne Price, and Oprah Winfrey. An induction ceremony will take place on Jan. 28 at the MSU Riley Center in downtown Meridian. 

 

Grace Krohse Named Creative Coordinator At HAYLO Music

Grace Krohse

Grace Krohse has joined Tyler Hubbard’s HAYLO Music as Creative Coordinator. A native of Chicago, Grace moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University. She joins with prior experience at Rich MGMT and Endurance Music Group.

“Our Nashville publishing community needs smart and passionate newcomers like Grace. We are lucky to have her on the team,” says Josh Saxe, GM of HAYLO.

Lanie Gardner To Release ‘Faded Polaroids (Deluxe)’ In September

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Lanie Gardner reflects on the growth and evolution she’s experienced over the last few years on her new project, Faded Polaroids (Deluxe) due out on Sept. 4 via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

Featuring three brand-new songs, the expanded edition continues the journey that began with her Polaroids EP and evolved on Faded Polaroids. Alongside the album’s original 18 tracks, Gardner worked with Kristian Bush on the deluxe edition to expand on the world of Faded Polaroids.

“Faded Polaroids felt like a resolution before stepping into the next chapter of my artistry, capturing the growing pains of my early twenties,” says Gardner. “With the deluxe edition, I’m reflecting on the woman I’ve become because of them,” Gardner shared. “These new songs solidify that evolution, and I hope they encourage women to trust themselves, reclaim their voices, and never settle for anything that makes them forget their worth. That’s exactly how I felt writing them.”

The new songs added to the project, “You Ain’t My Daddy,” “Bye Bye,” and “Say It Sober,” further showcase Gardner’s fearless songwriting and unmistakable vocals, and after teasing snippets on socials, Gardner let fans vote on which of the new songs they wanted to hear first and they chose “You Ain’t My Daddy.” Equal parts playful and defiant, the song pushes back against unsolicited opinions and expectations with a reminder that no one else gets to decide who you are or how you choose to live your life.

Gardner continues on Luke Bryan’s “Word On The Street Tour,” into the fall, before joining Jordan Davis and Ty Myers for select dates.

Faded Polaroids (Deluxe) Track List:
1. “Takin’ The Slow Ride” (Lanie Gardner, Matt Jenkins, Jesse Frasure, Brad Tursi)
2. “Boys Like You” (Lanie Gardner, Jimmy Robbins, Henry Agincourt Allen)
3. “Boot Down” (Lanie Gardner, Allison Veltz-Cruz, Dallas Wilson, Ross Ellis)
4. “The Hills Have Eyes” (Lanie Gardner, Carlo Colasacco, Rufio Hooks)
5. “Little Bit Of Lovin’” (Lanie Gardner, Katie Cecil, Chris Ganoudis, Kasey Tyndall)
6. “Faded Polaroids” (Lanie Gardner, Oscar Charles, Lori McKenna, Barry Dean)
7. “Don’t Fall In Love” (Lanie Gardner, Zach Abend, Benjy Davis)
8. “Rattler And The Devil’s Whip” (Lanie Gardner, David Medlin, Daymon Osborn)
9. “Mama’s Kitchen Table” (Lanie Gardner, Karen Fairchild, Alysa Vanderheym)
10. “Hold Your Horses” (Lanie Gardner, Jonathan Hutcherson, Jamie Moore)
11. “Concrete Cowboy” (Lanie Gardner, Katie Cecil, Chris Ganoudis)
12. “How Long ‘Til Tennessee” (Lanie Gardner, Daniel Ross)
13. “Jeans” (Lanie Gardner, Kasey Tyndall, Logan Maggio, Beau Bailey)
14. “Love You Like Appalachia” (Lanie Gardner, Matt Jenkins, Jeremy Stover)
15. “Buzzkill” (Lanie Gardner, Katie Cecil, Chris Ganoudis)
16. “Ur Mad” (Lanie Gardner)
17. “Daddy Didn’t” (Lanie Gardner, Laura Veltz, Gordie Sampson)
18. “High Divin’” (Lanie Gardner, Cate Downey, Ryan McMahon)
19. “You Ain’t My Daddy” (Lanie Gardner, AJ Pruis, Joybeth Taylor)
20. “Bye Bye” (Lanie Gardner, Matt Dragstrem, Micah Carpenter, Steph Jones)
21. “Say It Sober” (Lanie Gardner, Luke Dick, Josh Jenkins)

2026 MusicRow Awards Nominees For Female Songwriter Of The Year

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Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 38th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Female Songwriter of the Year category.

Female Songwriter of the Year nominees are honored for notable activity on high-performing country songs during the eligibility period, as determined by data from MusicRow’s Top Songwriter Chart.

This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.

Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 14 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.

Below are a selection of songs that entered the MusicRow Songwriter Chart for the Female Songwriter of the Year nominees:

Trannie Anderson
“Can’t Sit Still” by Lainey Wilson
“It Won’t Be Long” by George Birge
“Revelation” by Morgan Wallen
“Somewhere Over Laredo” by Lainey Wilson

Jessie Jo Dillon
“Beautiful Things” by Megan Moroney
“Bottomland” by HARDY
“Cloud 9” by Megan Moroney
“Convincing” by Megan Moroney
“Crazy Eyes” by Morgan Wallen
“Friday Night Heartbreaker” by Jon Pardi
“Happen To Me” by Russell Dickerson
“If You Were Mine” by Morgan Wallen
“Liars & Tigers & Bears” by Megan Moroney
“Lies Lies Lies” by Morgan Wallen
“Medicine” by Megan Moroney
“Proving Me Right” by Tucker Wetmore
“Waiting On The Rain” by Megan Moroney
“Who Hurt You?” by Megan Moroney
“Wish You Well” by Vincent Mason

Natalie Hemby
“If I Didn’t Know You” by The Red Clay Strays
“What Kinda Man” by Parker McCollum

Ava Suppelsa
“Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)” by Max McNown

Joybeth Taylor
“Broken” by Ella Langley
“Butterfly Season” by Ella Langley
“Choosin’ Texas” by Ella Langley
“Dandelion” by Ella Langley
“Empty Words” by Corey Kent
“girl you’re taking home” by Ella Langley
“Hell At Night” by BigXthaPlug feat. Ella Langley
“I Can’t Love You Anymore” by Ella Langley & Morgan
Wallen
“I Gotta Quit” by Ella Langley
“Last Call For Us” by Ella Langley
“Low Lights” by Ella Langley
“Most Good Things Do (Acoustic)” by Ella Langley
“Need To” by Gavin Adcock
“Never Call Again” by Gavin Adcock
“Somethin’ Simple” by Ella Langley
“Speaking Terms” by Ella Langley
“We Know Us” by Ella Langley
“weren’t for the wind” by Ella Langley
“You & Me Time” by Ella Langley

Lydia Vaughan
“Bar None” by Jordan Davis
“Don’t Tell On Me” by Jason Aldean
“Empty Words” by Corey Kent
“Friends Like That” by John Morgan feat. Jason Aldean

Dylan Gossett’s Sophomore Set ‘Ramblin” Slated For September

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Dylan Gossett will release his sophomore album, Ramblin’, on Sept. 25 via Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records. Along with the announcement, Gossett has dropped a new track from the album, “Loving You Like That” today (Aug. 7).

Ramblin’ builds on the foundation of Gossett’s 2025 debut album, Westward, expanding the deeply personal songwriting that has become his signature. Written after years of constant touring around the world, Ramblin’ finds Gossett returning home to Austin with a renewed perspective on love, relationships, and the place that shaped him.

“Where Westward is all about this change of life I went through and the craziness of traveling out West and life flipping upside down, Ramblin’ is about coming back home and having real relationships when I was off the road,” says Gossett. “Relationships with friends, with significant others, with family, with faith. I’m grounding myself in this music.”

Latest single “Loving You Like That” pairs Gossett’s unmistakable Texas-rooted storytelling with a heartfelt portrait of enduring love. The track follows his recent releases “My Boy,” written to celebrate the birth of his first child, and “Honeysuckle,” another single from the album, reflecting on home, love, and the people who keep him grounded.

Gossett will join The Red Clay Strays on the road later this month before co-headlining a U.S. tour with Charles Wesley Godwin this fall. He’ll also launch his own headline tour across Australia and New Zealand later this fall.

Ramblin’ Track List:
1. “Loving You Like That”
2. “Clothesline”
3. “Headed Back To Austin”
4. “Love and Such”
5. “The Old Me”
6. “Ramblin’”
7. “Honeysuckle”
8. “Head In The Clouds”
9. “Running From The Sun”
10. “Snow Melt”
11. “Just Fine”
12. “All Mine”

HARDY And Company Top The MusicRow Radio Chart With ‘McArthur’

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HARDY reaches the top of the MusicRow Radio Chart alongside Eric Church, Morgan Wallen and Tim McGraw with their hit “McArthur.”

The track was written by HARDY, Chase McGill, Jameson Rodgers and Josh Thompson.

HARDY is currently on the road with upcoming dates in Des Moines, IA, South Bend, IN and Boise, ID, among others.

“McArthur” currently sits at No. 21 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 19 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Brett Young Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary Of Debut Album With New Expanded ‘Platinum Edition’

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Brett Young is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the release of his career-shaping self-titled debut album with the release of Brett Young (Platinum Edition), out today via Blue Highway Records.

The 12-track debut has reached double Platinum status and is home to chart-topping favorites “In Case You Didn’t Know,” “Sleep Without You,” “Like I Loved You,” “Mercy” and more. Blending heartfelt storytelling with the laid-back influence of his California roots, the project introduced fans to Young’s signature “Caliville” sound and provided the soundtrack to a decade of weddings, heartbreaks and unforgettable moments.

Brett Young spent 37 weeks inside the top 20 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and spawned four consecutive No. 1 singles, laying the foundation for a career that now boasts more than 8.5 billion global streams, seven consecutive chart-toppers, and honors including ACM New Male Artist of the Year and ASCAP Country Songwriter Artist of the Year.

The expanded new Platinum Edition collection features nine bonus tracks, adding covers of “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” and “Hallelujah,” six live acoustic performances, and his original Ole Miss tribute song “Hell Yeah Damn Right.” Inspired by the school’s popular game-day chant, the former Ole Miss Rebels pitcher pays homage to his alma mater with the upbeat anthem. Initially played only on campus and throughout Oxford, Mississippi, overwhelming demand led Young to release the song, now available for the first time on vinyl.

“The success of my first album was such an exciting time,” says Young, “I’m grateful for the way it connected with fans and I’m excited for people to hear what I’ve got coming next!”

Brett Young (Platinum Edition) Track List:
1. “Sleep Without You”
2. “Close Enough”
3. “Like I Loved You”
4. “In Case You Didn’t Know”
5. “Olivia Mae”
6. “Left Side Of Leavin'”
7. “You Ain’t Here To Kiss Me”
8. “Back On the Wagon”
9. “Makin’ Me Say”
10. “Memory Won’t Let Me”
11. “Beautiful Believer”
12. “Mercy”
13. “Hell Yeah Damn Right (Ole Miss Tribute)”
14. “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg”
15. “Hallelujah”
16. “Close Enough (Acoustic / Live From iHeart)”
17. “Left Side Of Leavin’ (Acoustic / Live From iHeart)”
18. “Let’s Get It On (Acoustic / Live From iHeart)”
19. “In Case You Didn’t Know (Acoustic / Live From iHeart)”
20. “You Ain’t Here To Kiss Me (Acoustic / Live From iHeart)”
21. “Sleep Without You (Acoustic / Live From iHeart)”

DELTONA Inks With The Core Entertainment & WME

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Pictured (L-R): Hannah Lane (The Core Entertainment), Tracy Martin (The Core Entertainment), Caleb Miller (DELTONA), Ned Abernathy (DELTONA), Barrett Sellers (WME), Chris Deaton (DELTONA), Becky Gardenhire (WME), Dan Dymtrow (The Core Entertainment), Simon Tikhman (The Core Entertainment) and Chief Zaruk (The Core Entertainment).

Country rock trio DELTONA has signed with The Core Entertainment for management and WME for booking representation.

Vocalist Ned Abernathy, guitarist Caleb Miller and drummer Chris Deaton will be managed by Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk, CEOs and Co-Founders of The Core Entertainment, with WME’s Barrett Sellers and Becky Gardenhire overseeing booking. The trio also recently signed a publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville in partnership with The Core Entertainment.

“DELTONA have the kind of chemistry and conviction that cannot be manufactured,” says Tikhman and Zaruk, “They know exactly what they want this band to be, and they have the work ethic, the songs, and the live presence to build something lasting. We’re thrilled to help turn that vision into a long-term career.”

“When we first met DELTONA’s Caleb, Chris and Ned, it was abundantly clear they share a unique bond as a band that’s reflected in their music, and especially through the connection with audiences live,” shares Gardenhire. “We’re honored to welcome DELTONA to WME and look forward to creating new opportunities on their behalf.”

“As soon as we met Chief, Simon and the team at The Core, we knew it was the right fit. They immediately understood our vision to bring back that nostalgic, high-energy country-band feel and believed in who we are as artists,” adds DELTONA. “Our live show is a huge part of that, so we’re equally excited to work with WME to take it to as many people as possible. We’re beyond stoked to call The Core home and to have both teams in our corner as we build the band we’ve always wanted to be.”

The trio has released their new single “Point Of You” today (Aug. 7). Produced by Jason Massey, the hard-hitting breakup anthem follows “The Country,” which landed on Spotify’s All New Country, Apple Music’s New In Country and Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Country. They head out on tour in support of Dustin Lynch tonight in Marietta, Ohio, with additional support dates alongside Lynch and Justin Moore.

2026 MusicRow Awards Nominees For Male Songwriter Of The Year

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Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 38th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Male Songwriter of the Year category.

Male Songwriter of the Year nominees are honored for notable activity on high-performing country songs during the eligibility period, as determined by data from MusicRow’s Top Songwriter Chart.

This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.

Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 14 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.

Below are a selection of songs that entered the MusicRow Songwriter Chart for the Male Songwriter of the Year nominees:

John Byron
“After All The Bars Are Closed” by Thomas Rhett
“Ain’t A Bad Life” by Thomas Rhett feat. Jordan Davis
“Don’t We” by Morgan Wallen
“Eyes Are Closed” by Morgan Wallen
“Genesis” by Morgan Wallen
“Interlude” by Morgan Wallen
“Just In Case” by Morgan Wallen
“Kiss Her In Front Of You” by Morgan Wallen
“Love Somebody” by Morgan Wallen
“Smile” by Morgan Wallen
“Superman” by Morgan Wallen
“TN” by Morgan Wallen
“Woman” by Kane Brown
“What I Want” by Morgan Wallen feat. Tate McRae
“Where’d That Girl Go” by Morgan Wallen

Ashley Gorley
“Ain’t A Bad Life” by Thomas Rhett feat. Jordan Davis
“Blame Texas” by Cody Johnson
“Don’t We” by Morgan Wallen
“Favorite Country Song” by HARDY
“Fix What You Didn’t Break” by Nate Smith
“Hurts Like You” by Koe Wetzel
“Kiss Her In Front Of You” by Morgan Wallen
“Love Somebody” by Morgan Wallen
“Me & A Beer” by Chris Janson
“Not At This Party” by Dasha
“Park” by Tyler Hubbard
“She Hates Me” by Dierks Bentley
“Surrounded” by Koe Wetzel
“TN” by Morgan Wallen
“Woman” by Kane Brown

Charlie Handsome
“Come Back As A Redneck” by Morgan Wallen
“Don’t We” by Morgan Wallen
“Eyes Are Closed” by Morgan Wallen
“Falling Apart” by Morgan Wallen
“Genesis” by Morgan Wallen
“I Ain’t Comin’ Back” by Morgan Wallen
“I Got Better” by Morgan Wallen
“I’m The Problem” by Morgan Wallen
“Interlude” by Morgan Wallen
“Hell At Night” by BigXthaPlug feat. Ella Langley
“Holy Water” by Marshmello & Jelly Roll
“Just In Case” by Morgan Wallen
“Kick Myself” by Morgan Wallen
“Kiss Her In Front Of You” by Morgan Wallen
“Leavin’s The Least I Could Do” by Morgan Wallen
“Love Somebody” by Morgan Wallen
“Miami” by Morgan Wallen
“Missing” by Morgan Wallen
“Smile” by Morgan Wallen
“Superman” by Morgan Wallen
“TN” by Morgan Wallen
“What I Want” by Morgan Wallen feat. Tate McRae
“Where’d That Girl Go” by Morgan Wallen
“Whiskey In Reverse” by Morgan Wallen
“Working Man’s Song” by Morgan Wallen

Chase McGill
“20 Cigarettes” by Morgan Wallen
“Brunette” by Tucker Wetmore
“Carry On” by Kenny Chesney
“Happen To Me” by Russell Dickerson
“I Got Better” by Morgan Wallen
“It Won’t Be Long” by George Birge
“McArthur” by HARDY, Tim McGraw, Eric Church and Morgan Wallen
“Miami” by Morgan Wallen
“Missing” by Morgan Wallen
“She Hates Me” by Dierks Bentley
“Skoal, Chevy, and Browning” by Morgan Wallen
“Straight Line” by Keith Urban
“the hell you are” by Ashley Cooke
“TN” by Morgan Wallen
“Water At A Wedding” by Greylan James

Josh Miller
“20 Cigarettes” by Morgan Wallen
“3,2,1” by Tucker Wetmore
“Brunette” by Tucker Wetmore
“Crazy Eyes” by Morgan Wallen
“Country And She Knows It” by Luke Bryan
“Friday Night Heartbreaker” by Jon Pardi
“LA Night” by Morgan Wallen
“Leavin’s The Least I Could Do” by Morgan Wallen
“Lies Lies Lies” by Morgan Wallen
“Nothin’ Left” by Morgan Wallen
“Skoal, Chevy, and Browning” by Morgan Wallen
“Working Man’s Song” by Morgan Wallen

Blake Pendergrass
“20 Cigarettes” by Morgan Wallen
“Ain’t A Bad Life” by Thomas Rhett feat. Jordan Davis
“Brunette” by Tucker Wetmore
“Don’t We” by Morgan Wallen
“Eyes Are Closed” by Morgan Wallen
“Falling Apart” by Morgan Wallen
“Genesis” by Morgan Wallen
“Heart Of Stone” by Jelly Roll
“I Got Better” by Morgan Wallen
“Interlude” by Morgan Wallen
“Just In Case” by Morgan Wallen
“Miami” by Morgan Wallen
“Missing” by Morgan Wallen
“Number 3 And Number 7” by Morgan Wallen
“Superman” by Morgan Wallen
“The Dealer” by Morgan Wallen
“Wish You Well” by Vincent Mason
“Where’d That Girl Go” by Morgan Wallen
“Working Man’s Song” by Morgan Wallen

DISClaimer Single Reviews: New Warren Zeiders Has ‘Right Touches Of Twang’

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Warren Zeiders. Photo: Alex Green

Today, everything sounds like summertime to me.

That’s certainly the case with our Disc of the Day contenders Emily Ann Roberts & Ian Munsick, Jody King & Larry Cordle, Brothers Osborne, The Family, Jo Dee Messina and our winner, Warren Zeiders.

Hand a DISCovery Award to Hannah Harper and wish her a bon voyage as she enters the format.

HANNAH HARPER / “Married Into This Town”
Writers: Hannah Harper/Kenneth Mackey/Scott Steppakoff; Producers: Hannah Harper, Michael Hynes; Label: Atlantic Outpost/19 Recordings
– Breezy and charming. Refreshingly country, from her Appalachian-tinged soprano to the acoustic-based production and the bucolic lyric. Harper is this year’s American Idol winner, the first female country vocalist to triumph on the show since Carrie Underwood 21 years ago.

WARREN ZEIDERS / “No Brakes”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Jenna Johnson/Jeff Garrison/VWillz/Warren Zeiders; Producers: Ben Johnson, Jeff Garrison; Label: Warner Records
– Nicely done. He’s headed for a heartache, but is barreling toward it nonetheless in this midtempo excursion. He sings with open-throated authority, and the production has just the right touches of twang.

LAMONT LANDERS / “Lonely Girl”
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Jesse Frasure; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Lucille Records
– He’s a pop-soul vocalist fronting a spare, snare-drummed production. Too rocking for country and too minimalist for rock.

BROTHERS OSBORNE / “R.I.P.”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Hunter Phelps/TJ Osborne; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: MCA
– TJ Osborne’s baritone is more commanding than ever on this stompin’ kiss-off jam. The relationship is dead, and he’s rocking, sassing, and moving on. Sizzling production and charged-up attitude prevail.

DAILEY & VINCENT / “A Beautiful Life”
Writers: Bill Anderson/Carrie Underwood/Jon Randall; Producer: none listed; Label: Pillar Stone Records
– The bopping title tune of their new album is a splash of sunshine, ultimate bluegrass positivity. Instrumental dexterity meets hillbilly soul singing.

GARY LeVOX / “Paradise”
Writers: Chaz Bosarge/Rudy Perez; Producer: Rudy Perez; Label: Gaither Music Group
– A stirring, hopeful, uplifting, inspirational anthem yearning for love and peace. Complete with gospel choir.

CHARLIE WORSHAM / “Wrap My Porch Around”
Writers: Charlie Worsham/Jaren Johnston/Jesse Frasure; Producers: Charlie Worsham, Jaren Johnston; Label: CW
– A country toe tapper with “summer sound” written all over it. Hot picking joy.

STEPHEN WILSON JR. & MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Hardwired”
Writers: Adam Hood/Black Francis/Jesse Frasure/Miranda Lambert/Stephen Wilson Jr.; Producers: Ben West, Stephen Wilson Jr.; Label: Big Loud Records
– Dense and complex, this murky rocker marries Wilson’s familiar, gruff, soulful voice with an electronic production and Lambert’s ghostly singing. Left field and fascinating. Meanwhile his “Gary” single continues its forward progress.

THE FAMILY / “I’ll Take It”
Writers: Christian White/Phillip White; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Black Cow Records
– This is a Muscle Shoals summit meeting of family members. Dylan LeBlanc is an established singer-songwriter. Partner Angela Hacker is an acclaimed singer and former Nashville Star winner. His son James LeBlanc and her son Bay Simpson are both singer-songwriters. The four of them, dubbed The Family, have a debut album titled Delusions of Grandeur. Its focus track is an echoey, swirling, country-pop jewel. James takes the lead and swims in a sea of flawless vocal harmonies. Essential listening.

CHRIS JANSON / “Fight for a Girl”
Writers: Blake Bollinger/Chris Janson/Michael Tyler/Thomas Archer; Producers: Blake Bollinger, Chris Janson; Label: Harpeth 60 Records/Warner Records Nashville
– With its minimal melody and electronic audio, this has a hip-hop-pop vibe blended with his country vocal phrasing. Two mixes are available, the other being for A/C airplay. I could do without either one.

JO DEE MESSINA / “Message in a Bottle”
Writers: David Spencer/Ethan Hulse/Jo Dee Messina; Producer: David Spencer; Label: Dreambound Records
– Very well written. Messina wails a cautionary tale of drinking your way into trouble. The track kicks butt and her performance is spitfire perfect.

EMILY ANN ROBERTS & IAN MUNSICK / “Jack & Jill Daniel’s”
Writers: Emily Ann Roberts/Jeremy Spillman/Ryan Beaver/Trent Willmon; Producer: Brandon Hood, ; Label: RECORDS Nashville/Sony Music Nashville
– Cute and clever as the dickens. Fiddles sway and steel soars as they harmonize marvelously while she breaks his heart. A surefire playlist bopper.

JODY KING & LARRY CORDLE / “Jet Airliner”
Writer: Paul Pena; Producer: none listed; Label: Mighty Cord Records
– I have always loved this Steve Miller Band rock classic. Banjo wizard King and country singer Cordle transform it into a bluegrass romp. An ear-to-ear smile that must be heard.